Laticrete underlayments cover the substrate-prep side of the tile project: NXT self-leveling underlayments for tolerance correction, Drytek for moisture management, and crack-isolation membranes for substrates that may move. Boston Concrete installs Laticrete underlayments matched to the tile installer's spec so the substrate is ready for the matched Laticrete tile install on top. Every project starts with a free written estimate.
When the tile installer is using Laticrete waterproofing and Laticrete thinset, the substrate prep also wants to be Laticrete: NXT self-leveling underlayments for tolerance correction, Drytek for moisture management on slab substrates, crack-isolation membranes (Strata Mat) where the substrate has cracks that might telegraph through to the tile.
We install Laticrete underlayments as the matched piece in a whole-Laticrete project. NXT SLU brings the slab to tolerance the tile installer requires; Drytek manages moisture from below; crack-iso prevents substrate cracks from showing in the tile. All matched to the Laticrete thinset that follows, all warranted as one Laticrete system.
We confirm which Laticrete underlayment fits (NXT SLU, Drytek, Strata Mat crack-iso) and coordinate with the tile installer on the substrate target.
Prep substrate to Laticrete spec
Substrate diamond-ground or cleaned to Laticrete prep profile, contaminants removed, any moisture issues addressed, and the matched Laticrete primer applied.
Install Laticrete underlayment
NXT SLU is mixed and poured to target depth, or Strata Mat crack-iso is laid down and bonded, or Drytek moisture system is installed per Laticrete spec for the substrate condition.
Hand off to tile install
After cure, the substrate is handed off to the tile installer with Laticrete thinset recommendation so the whole-system warranty path stays intact through the tile install.
System discipline
Whole-Laticrete Is the Tile-Project Discipline
When the project spec is Laticrete from substrate prep through tile grout, the warranty path covers the whole assembly. We deliver Laticrete on the underlayment side because that is what keeps the path intact for the tile installer's warranty on top.
NXT vs Drytek vs Strata Mat, tile-system warranty, substrate match.
NXT SLU for tolerance correction. Drytek for moisture management on suspect slab substrates. Strata Mat crack-isolation for substrates with existing cracks that might telegraph. We pick based on the actual substrate condition.
Yes, the Strata Mat product is engineered to absorb minor substrate movement so cracks in the slab below do not telegraph through to the tile finish. It is essential on certain substrates.
To keep the whole-system warranty path intact. Mixing brands at the underlayment layer breaks the Laticrete system warranty even when the tile install is whole-Laticrete on top.
No, NXT is designed as substrate for tile or other finish. For polished-as-finish projects, a different product is required.
Per Laticrete spec, typically within a day or two depending on the underlayment product and conditions. The tile installer's spec also factors in; we coordinate cure handoff.
Client reviews
What Boston Tile Trades Say About Laticrete Underlayments
Laticrete NXT under my Laticrete thinset. Same brand through whole assembly, my warranty path stayed intact. Substrate was tile-ready when handed off.
Z. K6
Tile Contractor, Boston
★★★★★
They installed Strata Mat crack-isolation on a slab with hairline movement. Two years of seasonal cycle, no telegraph through to the tile. The right tool prevented the problem.
Y. K6
GC, Cambridge
★★★★★
Drytek moisture system on a basement slab that had unmanaged moisture history. The Laticrete spec saved the tile install from delaminating later. Real engineering match.
Q. K6
Renovation Specialist, Somerville
★★★★★
Whole-Laticrete project from substrate through grout. The customer's tile-trade-aware contractor specifically asked for Laticrete; install matched the spec. System discipline paid off.
X. K6
Custom Builder, Quincy
From the blog
Concrete Guides & Articles
Practical reading on planning, finishes and caring for concrete in Boston.
